New Delhi, March 25 — The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will soon allow Provident Fund (PF) withdrawals through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and ATMs, offering faster and more flexible access to funds. The Labour and Employment Ministry has approved the move, following a recommendation from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, mentioned that the new system is expected to roll out by the end of May or June. “PF members will be able to view their account balance directly on UPI, instantly withdraw up to ₹1 lakh, and choose their preferred bank account for transfers,” she said.
The EPFO has also expanded withdrawal options, allowing members to access funds for housing, education, and marriage, in addition to sickness-related provisions.
According to Dawra, the EPFO has significantly improved its digital infrastructure, integrating over 120 databases to streamline the process. “Claim processing time has been cut to just three days, with 95% of claims now automated,” she noted.
Pensioners have also benefited from recent reforms. Since December, 78 lakh pensioners have gained the flexibility to withdraw funds from any bank branch, removing previous geographical restrictions.
Dawra acknowledged the challenges in implementing these reforms, highlighting the EPFO’s vast scale. “With over 7.5 crore active members and 10-12 lakh new additions monthly, the organisation continues to grow across its 147 regional offices,” she said.
The secretary mentioned that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “ease of living” vision, aiming to simplify social security processes and modernise financial services for the workforce.
